Air Travel and Pregnancy: A Review of Safety, Risks, and Recommendations

Abstract

Air travel during pregnancy is a frequent concern for expectant mothers and healthcare providers. While commercial aviation is generally considered safe for healthy pregnancies, certain physiological and environmental factors associated with flight—such as reduced cabin pressure, cosmic radiation exposure, prolonged immobility, and emergency medical accessibility—may pose potential risks.  This study is based on electronic literature using the best available evidence from PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), and the British Thoracic Society (BTS).  This review synthesizes current literature on the effects of air travel on pregnancy, addressing concerns related to maternal and fetal oxygenation, thromboembolic events, radiation exposure, and pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, preterm labor, and fetal growth restriction. Airline policies, travel recommendations, and risk mitigation strategies are discussed to guide clinical practice and inform pregnant travellers.